The Senate has said the reason why it is not probing the sexual harassment allegation against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is because no petition had been filed to the effect.

MyNigeria reported that Natasha accused Akpabio of punishing her because she refused his sexual advances.

This was after Akpabio refused to take her contribution at plenary because she did not speak from her assigned seat, a rule observed by the Senate.

While many have called for a probe of Natasha's allegation, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, told Arise TV why such calls have not been entertained by the Senate.

The Senate spokesman said, “The Senate does not conduct its affairs based on what is trending on social media. There must be a formal petition or a matter raised before the Senate before any investigation can take place.”

“There is presently no formal matter before the Senate regarding these allegations. The only issue before the Senate is Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with the standing orders.”

Adaramodu said Senator Natasha must submit herself to the rules of the Senate regarding seating arrangements.

Citing Order 6 of the Senate rules which mandates that the Senate President assigns seats to senators, Senator Adaramodu said,” all lawmakers are expected to speak from their designated seats, and any breach of this rule undermines order in the chamber.”

ASA